May weather forecast
Salem, MA

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The gray Witch House located in Salem Town, Massachusetts
The gray Witch House located in Salem Town, Massachusetts

Weather in May

Lifting average temperatures from 48°F (8.9°C) to 66°F (18.9°C), May sees the emergence of a full-scale spring in Salem. With the temperature becoming more warm and the city witnessing more sunlight than cloudy days, outdoor activities become more enjoyable. The captivating scent of blooming flowers enhances the city's charm, attracting tourists to its historic sites. With daylight hours peaking at approximately 14.6 hours, May is a great month to visit Salem. Nevertheless, the average rainfall in May, of about 3.3" (84mm), is to be considered as well.

Temperature

May's arrival signals an increase in average high-temperatures, moving from April's moderate 55.4°F (13°C) to a comfortable 66.2°F (19°C). During May, the average low-temperature is a frosty 48.2°F (9°C).

Rainfall

In Salem, in May, it is raining for 11 days, with typically 3.35" (85mm) of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 124 rainfall days, and 43.03" (1093mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In Salem, in May, the average water temperature is 46.4°F (8°C).
Note: Swimming in 46.4°F (8°C) can be lethal. Merely spending a few minutes in 55.4°F (13°C) waters feels harsh, and venturing below 50°F (10°C) might disrupt breathing control and bring about cold shock, contingent on individual resilience.

Daylight

In May, the average length of the day is 14h and 38min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 5:37 am and sunset at 7:43 pm. On the last day of May, in Salem, sunrise is at 5:08 am and sunset at 8:13 pm EDT.

Sunshine

In Salem, the average sunshine in May is 8h.

UV index

In May, the average daily maximum UV index is 7. A UV Index value of 6 to 7 symbolizes a high health hazard from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: In May, a daily UV index of 7 turns into the following recommendations:
Follow precautions and abide by sun safety rules. Deterrence of sunburn is imperative. Limit your direct sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is strongest. Shade structures might not provide complete sun protection. Shield yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation with sun-protective attire, a hat, and quality sunglasses.
Updated: Jun 25, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What is the usual temperature for Salem in May?

The average high-temperature and low-temperature during May are 66.2°F (19°C) and 48.2°F (9°C) respectively.

How much does it rain in May?

In Salem, Massachusetts, during May, the rain falls for 11 days and regularly aggregates up to 3.35" (85mm) of precipitation.

How cold is the water in May?

In Salem, in May, the average water temperature is 46.4°F (8°C). Swimming in 46.4°F (8°C) is considered dangerous. Unprotected immersion in temperatures below 50°F (10°C) causes quickly maximum intensity cold shock with hyperventilation.

What is the average length of the day in May?

In Salem, Massachusetts, the average day length in May is 14h and 38min.

When is the sunrise / sunset in May?

In May, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 5:37 am and sunset at 7:43 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 5:08 am and sunset at 8:13 pm EDT.

How long on average sun shines in May?

The average sunshine duration in May in Salem is 8h.

What is the UV index intensity in May?

In Salem, the average daily maximum UV index in May is 7. A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 represents a high health threat from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average rainfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average UV index

Average temperature in May
Salem, MA

Average temperature in May - Salem, MA
  • Average high temperature in May: 66°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (36°F).

  • Average low temperature in May: 48°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (18°F).

Average rainfall in May
Salem, MA

Average rainfall in May - Salem, MA
  • Average rainfall in May: 3.3"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is November (4.6").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is July (3").

Average rainfall days in May
Salem, MA

Average rainfall days in May - Salem, MA
  • Average rainfall days in May: 11 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is December (12 days).
The month with the least rainy days is September (8 days).

Average sea temperature in May
Salem, MA

Average sea temperature in May - Salem, MA
  • Average sea temperature in May: 46°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (64°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is March (37°F).

Average daylight in May /
Average sunshine in May
Salem, MA

Average daylight in May / Average sunshine in May - Salem, MA
  • Average daylight in May: 14h and 4min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).

  • Average sunshine in May: 8h

The months with the most sunshine are June, July and August (Average sunshine: 9h).
The months with the least sunshine are January, November and December (Average sunshine: 5h).

Average UV index in May
Salem, MA

Average UV index in May - Salem, MA
  • Average UV index in May: 7

The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 8).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).

Salem, Massachusetts, USA

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